The Aspidochirote Working Group
We are bringing together active workers in aspidochirotid taxonomy and biology to coordinate and facilitate systematic research on the order. A similar group (Massin, Rowe, Samyn, Thandar) met in 2002 and began to standardize morphological characters and create a character matrix based for selected aspidochirotids. We have since formed an expanded and enthusiastic group to continue these efforts: Mark O’Loughlin (Australia), Claude Massin, Yves Samyn, Didier Van den Spiegel (Belgium), Phil Lambert (Canada), Mike Reich (Germany), Francisco Solis-Marin (Mexico), Ahmed Thandar (South Africa), Frank Rowe (UK), as well as Cindy Ahearn, Dave Pawson, Scott Smiley, and the PIs (USA). The AWG also includes PEET-supported graduate and undergraduate trainees from Boston University, University of Florida and University of Guam. Students worldwide studying holothuroid systematics are also offered short-term training in the PI's labs. A directory of AWG members and their contact information is here.
The AWG will coordinate on most aspects of this project. Specifically, the working group will meet in a museum setting in year one, in a field setting (also to include student training) in year three, and in a symposium setting in year five to work on issues of standardization, research coordination, and pursue joint projects. AWG members have agreed to pursue the following team efforts:
1) tracking down all aspidochirotid nomina and literature;
2) tracking down aspidochirotid type material across the world;
3) develop a standardized, morphological character matrix and populate it for all species studied;
4) collect and provide fresh and recently preserved material for sequencing;
5) host and mentor PEET trainees in their labs for short-term visits.
